Septic tank with downstream trickling filter

ABSTRACT

A filter bed base for the treatment of wastewater discharged from a dwelling, business or like producer. The filter bed base is generally rectangular in shape and includes an upper and lower surface. The upper surface of the filter bed base has a plurality of orifices for distributing filtered effluent into various chambers inside the base. The lower surface of the base has a plurality of orifices which are positioned beneath a select number of the chambers for discharging a portion of the filtered effluent into the soil underlying the base.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a wastewater treatment system and moreparticularly to a wastewater treatment system which improves the mannerin which effluent is dispersed into the environment.

Small wastewater treatment systems are typically designed so that rawwastewater generated by a business or residence is discharged directlyinto a septic tank. Once discharged into the septic tank, the effluentis allowed to partially settle and is then passed into a dosing chamber.From the dosing chamber, the effluent is fed into a filter media, e.g.trickling filter bed and then collected in a central drain pipe. If thefilter bed is a recirculating bed, the effluent is then directed towarda flow splitting device which separates the flow of the effluent. Aportion of the effluent is then directed back into the filter bed whilethe remaining effluent is discharged into the environment. Because theremaining effluent is centrally located in the drainage pipe, it can bedischarged expediently from a single point, often above ground. If,however, the filter bed is a single pass bed, none of the effluent isrecirculated through the filter. Thus, there is no need for a flowsplitting device. Once collected in the central drain pipe, the effluentpasses directly to a central location, typically above ground, where itis then discharged into the environment.

While above ground discharge is the most expedient means of releasingeffluent into the environment, it is quickly becoming an unacceptablemeans of discharge. Most adjoining property owners vehemently opposehaving effluent from a nearby wastewater treatment facility drainingacross their land. Even having been treated, the effluent often producesnoxious odors.

To resolve this problem, the effluent, instead of being discharged aboveground, is discharged below ground through the use of either a gravityfed lateral field or a pressurized lateral field. A lateral field,whether gravity fed or pressurized, is traditionally comprised of aplurality of parallel drain pipes positioned generally equidistant fromone another across a specified area underneath the ground. Once theeffluent is collected in the central drain pipe, the effluent is thendispersed to the plurality of drain pipes for discharge into theenvironment. Each drain pipe in the lateral field has a plurality oforifices (i.e. small openings or holes) which allow the effluent to bereleased into the surrounding environment.

While the lateral fields have served as an effective means to dischargeeffluent below ground, the lateral fields are not without problems. Oneproblem common to both types of lateral fields is that they are costlyto install and require additional land. Additionally, the gravity fedlateral fields, in particular, often discharge large quantities ofeffluent in a relatively small area instead of evenly distributing theeffluent across the field. While pressurized lateral fields help tocombat the problem of inadequate distribution, the pressurized fieldsare even more costly than the gravity fed lateral fields because theynot only require additional land but also an additional pump and pumpingbasin. The present invention overcomes these and other problems that areinherent with existing wastewater treatment systems by providing asystem which is cost-effective, easy to install, easily expanded, andevenly distributes high quality effluent to the soil without the use ofseparate flow splitting devices, gravity fed lateral fields, or separatepressurized lateral fields.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The principle object of the present invention is to provide a filter bedwhich incorporates all the advantages and functions generally providedby both a flow splitting device and a lateral field.

Accordingly, the general objects of the invention are to provide afilter bed that:

(1) disperses its effluent below ground without the use of a separatelateral field;

(2) distributes the effluent evenly, underground, without the use of aseparate pressurized lateral field, pump and pumping basin;

(3) does not require a separate flow splitting device;

(4) is easily expanded to serve the needs of larger hydraulic demands;and

(5) is easily and quickly installed.

In accordance with these objects, the present invention provides afilter bed base for the treatment of wastewater discharged from adwelling, business or like producer. The filter bed base is generallyrectangular in shape and has an upper and lower surface. The uppersurface of the filter bed base has a plurality of orifices fordistributing filtered effluent into various chambers inside the base.The lower surface of the base has a plurality of orifices which arepositioned beneath a select number of the chambers for discharging aselect portion of the filtered effluent into the soil underlying thebase.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will beclarified in the following description of the preferred embodiment inconnection with the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims,wherein like reference numerals represent like elements throughout.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the present invention as well as allappurtenances required for the operation of a small wastewater treatmentsystem.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG.1, and all appurtenances required for the operation of a smallwastewater treatment system.

FIG. 3a is an exploded, cross-sectional view of the filter bed sectiondepicted in FIG. 1 along lines 3--3.

FIG. 3b is a side view of the filter bed connector shown in FIG. 3a,illustrating the means by which the filter bed connector connects twoabutting filter bed housings.

FIG. 4 is an exploded cross-sectional plan view of the orifice layoutdepicted in FIG. 3a along lines 4--4.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the construction components ofa filter bed and the manner in which they fit together.

FIG. 6 is a partially exploded, fragmentary perspective view of twoadjoining filter bed sections.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

While the novelty of the present invention lies in the structure andoperation of the filter bed 10, as shown in FIGS. 1-6, it is helpful tothe understanding of the invention to illustrate the filter bed 10 as itwould function and appear in a typical wastewater treatment process. Itis understood, however, that the filter bed 10, and more particular thefilter bed base 60 (i.e. the drainage and discharge system), can be usedin connection with a variety of other wastewater treatment apparatusesor processes and that only the best mode contemplated for carrying outthe present invention is herein shown and described.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the generalconfiguration of a small wastewater treatment process, utilizing twoseries of interconnected filter beds 10, a septic tank 12, and a pumpingchamber 14. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, an inlet pipe 16 from a dwelling,business, or like producer, is connected to the septic tank 12 whichcontains an inlet baffle 18, an outlet baffle 20 and a removable teefitting 22. A corrosive resistant, mesh filter fabric 24 is generallystretched across the bottom opening and sides of the removable teefitting 22 and secured in this position with a stainless steel hoseclamp. Removable tee fitting 22 is typically a 4 inch diameter polyvinylchloride (PVC) tee that is secured to a connecting pipe 26, which leadsinto pumping chamber 14. Access to the removable tee fitting 22 isprovided through a first covered access vault 28.

The pumping chamber 14 contains a pump 30, and a primary distributionpipe 32. Access to pump 30 is provided through a second covered accessvault 34. Although FIGS. 1 and 2 show septic tank 12 and pumping chamber14 as being a single integral unit, they can be separate.

The primary distribution pipe 32, upon exiting the pumping chamber 14,splits into secondary distribution pipes 36. Although FIGS. 1 and 2 onlydepict two secondary distribution pipes 36, it is recognized in the artthat the primary distribution pipe 32 can split the flow of effluentthrough a plurality of secondary pipes 36 or through only one secondarydistribution pipe 36. Likewise, while the diameter of these secondarypipes 36 may vary, they are typically 11/2 inch diameter pressure ratedPVC pipes. Access to these secondary distribution pipes 36 andassociated plug valves 38 is provided by way of a third covered accessvault 40.

Just beyond the third covered access vault 40, pipe elbows 42 areinstalled to extend the secondary distribution pipes 36 over and acrossthe filter beds 10. Directly over the filter beds 10, the secondarydistribution pipes 36 have regularly spaced pressurized orifices 44(i.e. small openings or holes) which allow the discharge of the effluentover the filter media 48. After passing over the filter beds 10, thesecondary distribution pipes 36 then enter a fourth covered access vault46 where access to plug valves 38 and to pipe elbows 42 is provided.

As seen in FIGS. 3a-6, the filter beds 10 are comprised of three maincomponents: a filter bed housing 50, a filter bed connector 52 and afilter bed cover 54. The filter bed housing 50, as illustrated in FIGS.3a and 6, is the framework for a single filter bed 10 unit. As seen inFIGS. 1-6, a single filter bed 10 can be used alone in the operation ofthe system or multiple filter beds 10 can be connected in series byinterconnecting the filter bed housing 50 of each filter bed 10 toadjoining filter bed housings 50.

The filter bed housing 50 comprises (1) opposing side walls 56; (2)opposing end panels 58; and (3) a filter bed base 60. The opposing sidewalls 56 and end panels 58 create a generally rectangular shaped openingfor receiving filter media 48 and the filter bed base 60, or collectingchamber serves as the drainage and discharge unit for the treatmentsystem. While this embodiment illustrates the filter bed housing 50 asbeing generally rectangular in shape, alternative dimensionalconfigurations may be used (i.e. tubular shaped structure).

As seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, the design of the filter bed 10 componentsallows one filter bed housing 50 to easily fasten to an adjoining filterbed housing 50. The components fit together to form one cohesiveintegral unit and to easily allow the installation of subsequent unitsif the volume of effluent should increase.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the filter bed connectors 52 act not only tosecure adjoining filter bed covers 54 but also to secure the end panels58 of abutting filter beds 10 to one another. Each connector 52 has apipe opening 64 for receiving the distribution pipes 36 and a clippingpiece 66 which clips over the end panels 58 of both adjoining filterbeds 10. See FIGS. 3a and 3b. By clipping over both end panels 58, theclipping piece 66 prevents untreated effluent from seeping down betweenthe adjoining filter beds 10.

Also, as seen in FIG. 3, a gasket 68 is provided around the pipe opening64 in the filter bed connectors 52 to provide a water tight seal aroundthe distribution pipes 36 running across the filter bed media 48. It isrecognized that the gasket 68 is only necessary on the first and lastconnector 52 in a series and that the pipe opening 64 of the filter bedconnectors 52 is slightly larger than the outside bell diameter of thedistribution pipes 36. The larger diameter enables the gasket 68 to beplaced inside the round opening 64 and allows the distribution pipe 36to be slid through the opening 64.

The filter bed connectors 52 also comprise a rounded exterior flange 62which has two raised portions 70 and at least two notches 72, or atleast four notches 72 when used to adjoin filter beds 10. The raisedportions 70 of the flange 62 are positioned to fit snugly underneathgrooves 74 provided in the lip 76 of the exterior side walls 56 of thefilter bed housing 50. The notches 72 are positioned to receive dripedges 78 on the underside of the filter bed covers 54. Thisinterconnection between the notches 72 and the drip edges 78 act tostabilize adjoining covers 54 against the exterior flange 62 of thefilter bed connectors 52. This connection also allows the filter bedcover 54 to mate flush against the exterior flange 62 of the filter bedconnectors 52. By applying a sealant to the top side 82 of the flange62, a water tight bond between the flange 62 and the filter bed cover 54can be formed.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the filter bed cover 54 being the same lengthas the filter bed housing 50, typically twenty (20) feet. When thefilter beds 10 are adjoined to one another, the filter bed cover 54 ofone filter bed 10 abuts against the filter bed cover 54 of the adjoiningbed 10 at the center of the exterior flange 62 of the filter bedconnectors 52. The covers 54 are securely attached to the side walls 56of the filter bed housing 50 by a lineal clip 79 which has an innerportion 80 and an outer portion 81. The inner portion 80 is designed tofit underneath the groove 74 in the lip 76 on the side walls 56 of thehousing 50 while the outer portion 81 of the linear clip 79 fits overthe lip 76. The fit between the inner portion 80 and the groove 74 andfit between the linear clip 79 and the lip 76 is preferably aninterference or friction fit, which may be reinforced by epoxy or otherlike substance.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 6, the filter bed covers 54 are equippedwith vent risers 69 having vent holes 65, the vent holes 65 allowing forthe receipt of air vents 67. By connecting the air vents 67 to the ventriser 69, the filter beds 10 are allowed to emit air into and receiveair from the environment. Typically, only the first and last filter bedcovers 54 in each series of filter bed sections 10 are equipped with avent riser 69 for receiving an air vent 67. The exposed end of the airvents 67 is then equipped with a non-corrosive screen secured to the endwith a stainless steel hose clamp. The air vents 67 are generallyconstructed of PVC pipe.

With the exception of the gaskets 68, which are typically constructed ofa synthetic rubber, the filter bed housing 50, filter bed covers 54 andfilter bed connectors 52 are typically constructed of a high densitypolyethylene resin material or other like material that is strong,durable and somewhat flexible. Because the construction material issomewhat flexible, support members 84 may be placed at regular intervalsacross the interior of the filter bed housing 50 from side wall 56 toopposing side wall 56. See FIGS. 3a and 6. Additionally, each of thesethree components (i.e. cover 54, housing 50 and connector 52) aretypically independently monolithic in construction, but may becollectively monolithic in construction.

While the filter bed base 60 can be used separate and apart from thefilter bed housing 50, the present invention provides a filter bed 10having a filter bed base 60 as an integral component of the filter bedhousing 50. As illustrated in FIGS. 3a and 4, the filter bed base 60 ofthe present invention is divided into three separate compartments: aninterior return channel 86, and two surrounding discharge chambers 88.In the illustration, the interior return channel 86 has a width which isapproximately 80 percent that of the width of the base 60, and theremaining 20 percent of the width is comprised of the two dischargechambers 88, which surround the return channel 86. One discharge chamber88 is placed on each side of the return channel 86. The placement, widthand number of each channel may, however, vary from the illustration.

The base 60 has an upper surface 90 forming the bottom portion of thehousing 50. In this illustrated embodiment, the upper surface 90separates the filter media 48 from the discharge chambers 88 and returnchannel 86. As shown in FIG. 4, this upper surface 90 has a plurality ofuniformly positioned orifices 92 (i.e. small openings or holes) whichfunction to distribute the filtered effluent between the return channel86 and the discharge chambers 88. FIG. 4 illustrates an orifice layoutwhich demonstrates how the orifices 92 may be positioned to distributethe filtered effluent between the discharge chambers 88 and the returnchannel 86. In FIG. 4, eighty percent of the orifices 92 are locatedover the return channel 86 and the remaining 20 percent of the orifices92 are split between the two discharge chambers 88. While thisembodiment uses the positioning of the orifices 92 to distribute thefiltered effluent, one may also vary the area of the orifices 92 todistribute the filtered effluent between the discharge chamber 88 andthe return channel 86.

Like the upper surface 90 of the filter bed base 60, the dischargechambers 88 have a plurality of discharge orifices 94 (i.e. smallopenings or holes) which are located on either (1) the exterior sides 96of the discharge chambers 88, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6, or (2) onthe lower surface 98 of the filter bed base 60 directly below thedischarge chambers 88. These discharge orifices 94 allow the filteredeffluent which is collected in the discharge chambers 88 to be releaseddirectly into the soil underlying the filter bed base 60. As illustratedin FIG. 6, these discharge orifices 94 are evenly spaced across theentire length of the exterior sides 96 of the discharge chambers 88. Theeven spacing across the length of the filter base 60 promotes the moreeven distribution of effluent in the soil.

Unlike the effluent in the discharge chambers 88, the effluent collectedin the return channel 86 is discharged through a channel extension 100,which is monolithic to the filter bed base 60. The channel extension 100provides an extension opening 102 which allows the effluent collected inthe return channel 86 to exit the filter bed base 60. When a filter bedis used alone, the channel extension 100 attaches to a pipe adaptor 104which feeds the effluent into the wastewater return system 106.

Also provided in each filter bed base 60 is a channel opening 108, whichis located on the end panel 58 of the filter bed base 60 opposite thechannel extension 100. This allows for the connection of the filter beds10 in series. When connected in series, the channel extension 100 of onefilter bed base 60 fits into the channel opening 108 of an adjoiningfilter bed base 60. The effluent in the return channel 86 of one base 60can then flow through the return channel 86 of the adjoining base 60,toward the wastewater return system 106.

In order to properly adjoin the filter beds 10, the channel opening 108is cut to the inside dimensions of the return channel 86 and the channelextension 100 is designed to enable the channel extension 100 to slidedirectly into the channel opening 108 of an adjoining filter bed 10, yetfit snugly within the return channel 86 of such adjoining bed 10. It isunderstood that when only one filter bed 10 is used or when a filter bed10 is at the end of a series of beds 10, the channel opening 108 will becapped and sealed. Likewise, when the filter bed 10 is first in a seriesof beds 10, it is understood that the channel extension 100 fits intothe pipe adaptor 104 of the return system 106 rather than a channelopening 108 of another filter bed 10. Again, the channel opening 108 isonly cut to the dimensions of the return channel 86 so that thedischarge chambers 88 of each filter bed base 60 remain closed off fromthe discharge chambers 88 of any adjoining filter bed base 60.Preventing the effluent collected in the discharge chambers 88 frombeing exchanged between filter beds 10 forces the effluent to bedischarged underneath the bed 10 in which the effluent was collected,and thereby promotes more even distribution of effluent into theenvironment.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the wastewater return system 106 iscomprised of a variety of components, typically composed of 4 inchdiameter PVC pipes. These components provide gravity flow from thereturn channel 86 of the filter bed base 60 back to the pumping chamber14. The return system 106 is comprised generally of a pipe adaptor 104,return elbows 110, a return tee 112 and a gravity drain pipe 114. It isrecognized that the return elbows 110 and return tee 112 are onlynecessary when using filter beds 10 aligned parallel to one another.When the beds 10 are aligned in series or when using only a singlefilter bed 10, the return system 106 only requires the use of the pipeadaptor 104 and gravity drain pipe 114.

In operation, the wastewater from a dwelling, business or likeenvironment, flows through the inlet pipe 16 and into the septic tank12. The wastewater entering the septic tank 12 then passes underneaththe inlet baffle 18 and outlet baffle 20. While traversing the inletbaffle 18 and outlet baffle 20, the majority of the solids in thewastewater settle out. The solids that remain, however, are preventedfrom entering the discharge chamber by the mesh filter fabric 24 whichcovers the bottom and sides of the removable tee fitting 22.

After flowing through the removable tee fitting 22, the wastewaterenters the pumping chamber 14, where the pump 30 directs the wastewaterthrough a primary distribution pipe 32. Once outside the pumping chamber14, the primary distribution pipe 32 then splits into secondarydistribution pipes 36 which transport the effluent to the filter beds.

Once over the filter media 48, the distribution pipes 36 discharge theeffluent through a series of pressurized orifices 44. A low hydraulicpressure is applied to the distribution pipes 36 to evenly distributethe effluent across the filter media 48. Upon discharge, the effluentsprays against the underside of the filter bed cover 54. The effluent isprevented from running to the edges of the filter bed cover 54 by dripedges 78, which also function to promote the even distribution ofeffluent over the surface of the filter media 48 and provide addedrigidity to the filter bed cover 54.

Once the effluent has trickled through the filter media 48 and reachedthe upper surface 90 of the filter bed base 60, the effluent isdistributed between the return channel 86 and the discharge chambers 88by a series of distribution orifices 92 which are positioned on theupper surface of the filter bed base 60. The percentage of the effluentwhich is collected in the discharge chambers 88 is discharged throughdischarge orifices 94 into the gravel and/or soil underlying the filterbed 10. However, the percentage of effluent which accumulates at thebottom of the return channel 86 flows through a pipe adaptor 104 andinto the return system 106 where the effluent is then recirculatedthrough the pumping chamber 14 and returned to the filter beds 10 untilthe effluent is accumulated in the discharge chambers 88 and releasedinto the environment. Upon final exit of the system, the effluent isgreatly reduced in BOD5.

As previously discussed, the various components of the filter bed 10make its installation quite easy. With the septic tank 12 and thepumping chamber 14 already in place, the installation of the filter beds10 begins with selecting a site to dig a trench, or trenches, for thebeds 10. It is recommended that the present invention utilize a total of14 filter beds 10 (7 per trench) to treat the wastewater generated froma single family home, however, this design can be expanded, reduced ormodified to serve a variety of other needs. The trenches should be dugfar enough above the pumping chamber 14 to allow the effluent collectedin the return channel 86 to gravity flow through the return system 106to a point above the maximum operating level of the pump 30. Althoughthe bottom of the trenches must be level, the separate trenches do nothave to be at the same elevation.

Once the trenches have been dug, gravel is placed in and leveled acrossthe bottom of the trenches. The installation of the filter bed housings50 then begins by positioning a filter bed housing 50 in each trench sothat the channel extension 100 faces toward the pumping chamber 14.Subsequent filter bed housings 50 are installed by inserting the channelextensions 100 of the subsequent filter bed housings 50 into the channelopening 108 of the previous filter bed housing 50. Once the filter bedhousings 50 are connected to one another, the filter bed connectors 52are clipped over the abutting end panels 58. To give the outside endpanels 58 of the first and last filter bed housing 50 the same shape andthickness as the abutting interior end panels 58, blanks may be epoxiedor otherwise attached to the end panels 58. The blanks provide the samecross section as is shown in FIG. 3b and provide the same stable base asthat of two abutting end panels 58. Once the connectors 52 are in place,the gaskets 68 are then installed on the pipe opening 64 of the firstand last filter bed connector 52 in each series of beds 10.

With the filter bed housings 50 in place, gravel is poured around theperimeter of each filter bed housing 50. The filter media 48 is thenpoured into each filter bed housing 50 and distribution pipes 36, havingpressurized orifices 44, are inserted through the pipe opening 64 of thefilter bed connectors 52. Once the distribution pipes 36 are positionedwith the pressurized orifices 44 pointing directly upward, the filterbed covers 54 are then snapped into place. The vent risers 69 and airvents 67 are then installed on the first and last covers 54 in eachseries of filter beds 10. Finally, the installation is completed bybackfilling the trenches to the existing grade.

In a first alternative embodiment of the present invention, which is notillustrated in any of the figures, the filter bed 10 is a single passfilter bed. Therefore, the filter bed base 60 is comprised only ofdischarge chambers 88. The return channel 86 and return system 106 arenot incorporated into this embodiment. In this embodiment, the use of apump 30 and pumping chamber 14 is optional. The system may be designedso that the effluent could gravity flow into the filter beds 10.

In a second alternative embodiment of the present invention, which isnot illustrated by any of the figures, the filter bed base 60 has atleast one return channel 86 and at least one discharge chamber 88 which,instead of having discharge orifices 94, directs the flow of effluentcollected in the discharge chamber 88 to a lateral field or other outletfor discharging the effluent into the environment.

Although the foregoing detailed description of the present invention hasbeen described by reference to a single exemplary embodiment, and thebest mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention has beenherein shown and described, it will be understood that modifications orvariations in the structure and arrangement of this embodiment otherthan those specifically set forth herein may be achieved by thoseskilled in the art and that such modifications are to be considered asbeing within the overall scope of the present invention. Therefore, itis contemplated to cover the present invention and any and allmodifications, variations, or equivalents that fall within the truespirit and scope of the underlying principles disclosed and claimedherein. Consequently, the scope of the present invention is intended tobe limited only by the attached claims.

We claim:
 1. A wastewater treatment system having a septic tank and afilter bed, including a filter bed base, downstream from the septic tankfor collecting effluent being discharged from said septic tank,filtering the effluent, and discharging effluent directly into theenvironment underlying said filter base, said filter bed comprising:(1)a collecting chamber; (2) means for distributing the effluent beingdischarged from the filter media into said collecting chamber; and (3)means for discharging at least a portion of the effluent collected insaid collecting chamber directly into the environment underlying saidcollecting chamber.
 2. A wastewater treatment system as recited in claim1, wherein said collecting chamber of said filter bed comprises an uppersurface, said distributing means includes a plurality of distributionorifices located on the upper surface of said collecting chamber, saiddistribution orifices receiving the effluent being discharged from thefilter media and allowing the effluent to accumulate in said collectingchamber.
 3. A wastewater treatment system as recited in claim 1, whereinsaid collecting chamber of said filter bed comprises a lower surface,and said discharging means includes a plurality of discharge orificeslocated on said lower surface, said discharge orifices allowing for theeffluent collected inside said collecting chamber to be released intothe environment.
 4. A wastewater treatment system as recited in claim 1,wherein said collecting chamber of said filter bed has an upper andlower surface, said distributing means includes a plurality ofdistribution orifices located on said upper surface of said collectingchamber, said discharge means including a plurality of dischargeorifices located on said lower surface of said collecting chamber, andwherein said collecting chamber is divided into sections.
 5. Awastewater treatment system as recited in claim 1, wherein saidcollecting chamber of said filter bed further comprises opposing sidewalls and first and second opposing end panels, said collecting chamberbeing generally rectangular in shape.
 6. A wastewater treatment systemas recited in claim 1, wherein said filter bed base has two opposingside walls and two opposing end panels and further comprising a filterbed cover, said filter bed cover attached to said side walls and saidend panels of said filter bed base to form a cover, said filter bed basehaving opposing pipe openings for receiving a distribution pipe throughsaid filter bed base.
 7. A wastewater treatment system as recited inclaim 1, wherein said filter bed base has two opposing side walls andtwo opposing end panels and wherein said filter bed base furthercomprises a filter bed cover and two filter bed connectors, said filterbed cover attached to said side walls and said end panels of said filterbed base, each said filter bed connector attached to one said end panelof said filter bed base and each said connector having a pipe openingfor receiving a distribution pipe.
 8. A filter bed base for collectingeffluent being discharged from filter bed media and discharging theeffluent into the environment underlying said filter bed base, saidfilter bed base comprising:a collecting chamber having upper and lowersurfaces, and divided into first and second sections, the first sectioncomprising a return channel and the second section of said collectingchamber comprising a discharge chamber; a plurality of distributionorifices located on said upper surface of said collecting chamber fordistributing the effluent being discharged from the filter media intosaid collecting chamber; and a plurality of discharge orifices locatedon said lower surface of said collecting chamber being positioned onlyunder said discharge chamber for discharging at least a portion of theeffluent collected in said collecting chamber directly into theenvironment underlying said collecting chamber.
 9. A filter bed base forcollecting effluent being discharged from filter bed media anddischarging the effluent into the environment underlying said filter bedbase, said filter bed base comprising:a collecting chamber havingopposing side walls and first and second opposing end panels; a meansfor distributing the effluent being discharged from the filter mediainto said collecting chamber; and a plurality of discharge orificeslocated on said opposing side walls of said collecting chamber fordischarging at least a portion of the effluent collected in saidcollecting chamber directly into the environment underlying saidcollecting chamber.
 10. A filter bed base as recited in claim 9, whereinsaid side walls and said end panels extend from said lower surfaceupward and beyond said upper surface to form a generally rectangularshaped channel for maintaining filter media above said upper surface.11. A filter bed base for collecting effluent being discharged fromfilter bed media and discharging the effluent into the environmentunderlying said filter bed base, said filter bed base comprising:acollecting chamber having opposing side walls and first and secondopposing end panels and a first section, said first section of saidcollecting chamber comprising a return channel including an extensionwhich extends beyond said first end panel and forms a return channelextension which allows the effluent collected in said return channel toexit said collecting chamber; means for distributing the effluent beingdischarged from the filter media into said collecting chamber; and meansfor discharging the portion of said effluent not collected in said firstsection of said collecting chamber directly into the environmentunderlying said collecting chamber.
 12. A filter bed base as recited inclaim 11, wherein said second end panel has an opening which opens intosaid return channel.
 13. A filter bed base as recited in claim 12including opposing collecting chambers, said return channel extensionsized to fit into the opening of said second end panel so that said twoopposing collecting chambers may be interconnected with one another toform one cohesive chamber.
 14. A filter bed base for collecting effluentbeing discharged from a filter media, said filter bed base comprising:atleast one discharge chamber havingan upper surface having a plurality ofdistribution orifices for distributing the filtered effluent from thefilter media into said discharge chamber, a lower surface having aplurality of discharge orifices for discharging said effluent intounderlying soil, and at least one return channel, said return channelreceiving a portion of the effluent being distributed through thedistribution orifices of said upper surface, and wherein said pluralityof discharge orifices are positioned to avoid said return channel andprevent the effluent collected in said return channel from beingdischarged into the environment.
 15. A filter bed base as recited inclaim 14, wherein said return channel comprises a return channelextension which extends beyond the surfaces of the discharge chamber anddirects the flow of effluent collected in said return channel away fromsaid discharge chamber.
 16. A filter bed base as recited in claim 15including opposing discharge chambers, wherein said return channel hasan opening which opposes said channel extension, said opening being onlylarge enough to allow the flow of effluent from an opposing returnchannel extension to enter said return channel.
 17. A filter bed base asrecited in claim 16, wherein said channel extension is designed to fitsnugly within the opening of an abutting return channel.